Chromosome analysis and agglutination by concanavalin a of primary simian-virus-40-induced tumors.

Tumors induced by SV40 virus in newborn and adult Syrian hamsters were analyzed for their growth properties in vitro, transplantation, agglutination with concanavalin A and chromosome constitution. Following transfer to culture flasks tumor cells grew for 2-3 weeks, then went through a "degenerative phase". Eventually lines were established which became adapted to in vitro culture conditions. Agglutination properties of these tumor cells were similar to those of cells transformed in vitro with SV40 virus. Of five subcutaneous and six intratesticular tumors that were analyzed for their chromosome constitution, all had a hypotetraploid chromosome number distribution. The results of the chromosome studies suggest a similiar pattern in the evolution of malignant properties of cells transformed in vitro and in vivo following infection with SV40 virus.